Why Does My Dog Keep Peeing In His Crate?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Behavioral Causes. According to the ASPCA and many pet parents we've spoken to, indoor dog pee accidents such as crate peeing are often related to

separation anxiety

. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in rescue dogs.

Why is my dog having accidents in his crate?

There could be several reasons why a has an accident while in crate:

Crate size is too big

. If you're crate is too big then your puppy will often times use one side to potty (her bathroom) and the other side to sleep (her bedroom).

Why does my puppy pee in his crate at night?

The number one step to take when your dog is peeing in her crate is to

make sure she's healthy

. This might sound like overkill, but many cases of tricky potty training come back to medical issues! It could be that your beloved pup is suffering from a canine urinary tract infection (UTI) or some other medical condition.

Should you put blankets in a dog crate?


Avoid using blankets, towels, or sheets for your puppy's crate bedding

. She might chew on these materials, which will not only be messy but if she ends up swallowing pieces, it could lead to a life-threatening internal blockage and an emergency trip to the vets.

How can you tell if your dog has a urinary infection?

  1. Bloody and/or cloudy urine.
  2. Straining or whimpering during urination.
  3. Accidents in the house.
  4. Needing to be let outside more frequently.
  5. Licking around the urinary opening.
  6. Fever.

Will puppy grow out of peeing in crate?

3. The Puppy May Not Be Able To “Hold It” For Too Long. The reason a puppy has an accident in his crate may be as simple as the fact that he needs to potty. The general rule is that

a puppy can only hold his urine for about one hour more than his age in months

.

Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?


Lock your puppy in his/her bed every night

. If you are worried about him/her being lonely, you can keep the crate by your bed so he/she can hear you nearby. He will adjust very quickly to sleeping there at night, especially if you ignore the initial fussing.

What should I put in my puppy's crate at night?


Indestructible bedding

is best for a puppy. Avoid blankets and towels, which a puppy can reduce to shreds and then swallow. Ingesting shredded textiles can result in a trip to the veterinary ER to treat a potentially life-threatening blockage in your puppy's gut. The same applies to many beds with soft or plush fill.

Do dogs sleep where they pee?


A dog may urinate in his own bed involuntarily, typically while relaxed or sleeping, if the urethral sphincter begins to fail

. In this condition, muscles that involuntarily close the dog's urethra stop working properly and no longer contract, allowing urine to leak.

Should you put a pee pad in a dog crate?

What age can dogs stop sleeping in crate?


Puppies under 6 months of age

shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can't control their bladders or bowels for that long. The same goes for adult dogs being housetrained. Crate your dog until they are able to be alone in the house without accidents or destructive habits.

How can I treat my puppy's UTI at home?

Why does my dog pee in the house all of a sudden?


Urinary tract infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder stones, kidney disease, or arthritis or age-related incontinence

could all be causes of house soiling in dogs. In addition, pets with diarrhea or other intestinal illnesses may not be able to make it outside fast enough.

Why is my dog wetting the bed at night?

The most common reason why dogs experience peeing in their sleep is incontinence. This problem can come about from a number of different things, such as a

urinary tract infection and bladder stones

.

At what age should a puppy be potty trained?

It typically takes

4-6 months

for a puppy to be fully house trained, but some puppies may take up to a year. Size can be a predictor. For instance, smaller breeds have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms and require more frequent trips outside.

Should you cover dog crate overnight?

Dogs will try to reach through the crate bars for anything they can pull in and chew. Covering your dog's crate may make him feel more secure, but

it's important to use a cover he can't pull in through the bars and destroy

. Food and water aren't necessary to leave in the crate overnight.

What time should a puppy go to bed?

But in all honesty,

there's no ‘right time' for a puppy to go to sleep, as long as it's the same every night

. While this may be the case, do note that your puppy will need, on average, around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

Can I crate my dog during the day but not at night?

Don't abuse the crate. It is a useful management tool, but

your dog shouldn't live in a cage day and night

, with few opportunities for playtime and “people” time. If your dog is being crated for any extended periods during the day, it is a good idea to allow him to sleep in someone's room at night.

Should your dog's crate be in your bedroom?


Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in the owner's bedroom

, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time. Having the crate in your bedroom will also allow you to hear your dog if she gets restless during the night and needs to be taken to her potty area.

Should a puppy have water in his crate?

Your growing puppy needs access to plenty of fresh water, but

keeping water in her crate is never recommended because it can undermine housetraining

. Crate training is a helpful tool in the process because dogs instinctively resist relieving themselves in their den.

How do I get my dog to sleep in his crate without crying?

  1. Ignore the whining behavior. …
  2. Pick the right-size crate. …
  3. Get your puppy comfortable with the crate. …
  4. Make sure to provide plenty of potty breaks. …
  5. Make sure to consider crate placement. …
  6. Give your puppy plenty of exercise.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.